The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses its full support for the passage of Senate Bill (SB) No. 694, or “An Act Establishing the Forensic Science Institute in the University of the Philippines System, Defining Its Functions and Appropriating Funds Therefor.”

“The establishment of a Forensic Science Institute is a crucial step in enhancing our country’s forensic capabilities, ensuring that investigations are guided by science, impartiality, and adherence to human rights standards,” said CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc.

SB No. 694 seeks to establish an independent Forensic Science Institute in the University of the Philippines, composed of highly qualified and trained experts from various disciplines, and operating separately from law enforcement units. Furthermore, the bill aims to upgrade the country’s forensic science capabilities, encourage more professionals and scientists to pursue a career in forensic science, and improve the administration of justice through enhanced evidence collection, examination, analysis, and presentation of forensic findings in legal proceedings.

With the scarcity of forensic pathologists in the Philippines, our ability to conduct thorough forensic investigations remains limited. This reality leaves families without answers and perpetrators unaccountable, particularly in cases linked to alleged extrajudicial killings. A well-equipped forensic institute will be instrumental in strengthening forensic investigations and ensuring that human rights violations do not go unaddressed.

In 2024, CHR issued a position paper supporting the proposed bill, emphasizing that forensic reform is crucial in upholding both domestic and international human rights standards. [1] Key recommendations were proposed to strengthen the bill, including ensuring the Institute’s independence and accountability by safeguarding it from political and law enforcement pressures; capacity-building initiatives; stronger integration of human rights safeguards in forensic investigations; specialization in forensic medicine; and, legislative prioritization and its inclusion into the National Human Rights Action Plan.

“To truly serve the ends of justice, forensic services must be accessible not only to law enforcement but also to independent human rights bodies and judicial institutions,” Chairperson Palpal-latoc stressed. “By fostering inter-agency coordination, we can ensure that forensic science remains a tool for truth, accountability, and transparency.”

In line with this, CHR acknowledges the efforts made by our legislators, particularly Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr., for championing this vital initiative. The Commission urges the adoption of its recommendations to ensure that the proposed bill can more effectively uphold the principles of scientific integrity and impartiality in forensic investigations.

“Strengthening forensic capabilities will not only address the current gaps in forensic expertise but also reinforce accountability, transparency, and justice in the country,” Chairperson Palpal-latoc concluded.

[1] CHR Position paper on Senate Bill 694: https://bit.ly/3E37sag